Two Weeks To Go

I can't believe we only have two weeks left of school holidays. For us, the time has been flying by!

How nice it has been to sleep in, not have to organise lunches, uniforms etc, to not have to be anywhere at any particular time. I've been fortunate enough to have hubby home for three weeks, which has made such a difference.  We've had lots of little outings, mostly to stay cool - trips to the beach, to the pool, all ending with an ice-cream! There've been bike rides, bushwalks, inflatable pools, and a little technology thrown in, ok more than a little, but I feel like we have a pretty good balance happening with that.  

It hasn't all been r & r though..my little store has kept me tucked away in my office far longer than desirable, but all so necessary to get set for 2013. It's been a bit of an eye opener, this working from home thing, difficult to draw boundaries, and hard to know when to "put the tools down" so to speak. I expect when school goes back I'll be able to settle into a better routine, something I'll have to work on if I'm to achieve a better level of balance in 2013.

Aside from the challenges, I'm loving my job, especially supporting other little businesses, and being surrounded by beautiful things..things that are made locally, things that are unique and made with love..

Handmade Doll

things that are sustainable and made ethically..

Vroom Fairtrade Toy

When new stock arrives, I'm like a kid opening presents, it feels like Christmas allover again..

But lovingly wrapping them and posting them off to their new home is even better!  

Just over two weeks until school is back..what do you have planned?

xSam

Fresh Start Inside & Out

I love a New Year, don't you?  
It's a fresh start..something that is needed sometimes.  
I love that it coincides with summer too because there's something about summer that spurs me on to put my thoughts into action..

For me, at the moment this means taking better care of myself, on the inside and outside..

For the inside I'm enjoying..

Delicious salads like this one above with salmon and pearl couscous (from Australian Good Taste).

 Can you believe I only recently discovered pearl couscous? I had this salad at my brother's place Christmas day, and had to make it at home, absolutely delicious as a side salad or as a meal.

For the outside, I'm enjoying..

Organic Skincare for face and body

This handy little travel pack from Absolutely Gorgeous is available at my online store, and contains everything you need to kickstart your skincare regime for 2013.  Australian made and owned, it smells and feels delicious on the skin.

Plenty of natural and ethical products in my online store, something I'm growing more passionate about each day.  There'll be lots more of them popping up throughout the year, along with some great offers.

Enjoying days at the beach, plenty of sunshine, getting outside and all the naturally good things Summer has to offer.  

Here's to fresh starts and naturally good things in 2013!

xSam